Evocutis introduces new tool for cosmetic testing processes

Dermatology firm Evocutis has introduced a new LabSkin, a human skin model research tool, which can be used for cosmetic, cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical testing processes.

According to the UK-based firm, the new tool is a full thickness human skin equivalent model, which includes both dermal and epidermal layers constructed from primary human cells (keratinocytes & fibroblasts).

LabSkin shows a fully differentiated epidermal layer, which provides a completely dry surface for product testing, the company said.

The firm claims that the full-bodied nature of LabSkin allows transverse-sectioning which in turn helps in molecular and histological analysis of the effects of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products at a cellular level on the human skin model.

Evocutis said unlike previous 3D skin models, it possesses various properties making it a multipurpose- research tool.

According to the firm, the product can be applied directly to the surface by hand, displaying a barrier function similar to that of human skin.

It is said to be very easy to use, which is helped by the large surface area 4.5cm2 (the size of a 10p coin/bottle cap), and has confirmed longevity of use between 10 and 14 days, the company claims.

Evocutis CEO Gwyn Humphreys said the advancement of LabSkin into a commercially available product for direct sale is an encouraging step for the company, building on the company’s consultancy expertise.

"Evocutis continues to offer a bespoke consultancy and contract research service allowing clients to access its world class skin and living skin equivalent expertise. This falls in line with the Company’s continued strategy which aims to be the pre-eminent supplier of focussed skin science solutions for functional pharmaceutical, cosmetics and consumer healthcare products," added Humphreys.

The company said the tool additionally enables naturally occurring micro-flora and bacteria to colonise to replicate various skin scenarios, which include bacteria that are considered unethical clinically for testing on humans, such as MRSA; C. difficile; and other microbes that are harmful to life.

The firm said the tool can be used in potential applications, such as basic and applied skin research, structural, metabolic and physiological studies, gene and protein expression, microbial colonisation, penetration and delivery, pre-clinical screening, ingredient and product efficacy studies and wound healing